11th Century Mediterranean

The 11th-century Mediterranean was a vibrant period marked by trade, cultural exchange, and political shifts. It connected Europe, Africa, and Asia through bustling ports, fostering commerce in goods like spices, textiles, and silver. The Byzantine Empire in the east preserved Roman traditions, while Muslim states in the Middle East and North Africa advanced science, philosophy, and art. Western Europe was gradually emerging from the early Middle Ages, with regions like Italy and Provence becoming important centers of commerce and learning. Meanwhile, the Crusades began to reshape alliances and influence the region’s political and religious landscape.